Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the violent clashes outside the Congress office in Patna, Bihar, after BJP workers staged a protest over allegedly derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family. The incident occurred during the Congress-led Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga, escalating tensions between the two national parties.
In a powerful social media post, Gandhi said: “सत्य और अहिंसा के आगे असत्य और हिंसा टिक ही नहीं सकते। मारो और तोड़ो, जितना मारना-तोड़ना है - हम सत्य और संविधान की रक्षा करते रहेंगे। सत्यमेव जयते।” (Truth and non-violence can never be defeated by lies and violence. No matter how much you attack and vandalize, we will continue to uphold the truth and the Constitution. Truth alone triumphs.)
The controversy started during a Youth Congress outreach program in Darbhanga, when a speaker allegedly abused PM Modi and his late mother. Congress leader Mohammad Naushad, the main organiser, later clarified he was absent during the incident and apologised. The BJP, however, accused Congress of spreading hate and demanded a formal apology.
On Friday, BJP supporters gathered outside the Congress headquarters in Patna in large numbers. Eyewitnesses and viral videos showed clashes, stone-pelting, flag tearing, and alleged vandalism of Congress property. BJP leader Nitin Nabin told ANI: “We will take revenge for this and give a befitting reply to the insult aimed at PM Modi’s family.”
Following a formal complaint, Darbhanga Police registered an FIR and arrested Rafeeq alias Raja, reportedly responsible for the abusive remarks. Authorities confirmed the arrest and said further legal action is underway.
The incident drew condemnation from national leaders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda criticized Congress, calling it a “new low in Indian politics” under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, and demanded apologies from Congress and its Bihar ally RJD. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also criticized the language used, calling it “extremely unbecoming.”
